The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is a network of churches working together to share the Gospel. Through partnerships, missions, and ministries, we advance God’s Kingdom locally and globally. Below, you’ll find key terms and organizations that shape our cooperative efforts.
State Convention of Baptists in Ohio (SCBO)
The SCBO is the missionary organization within Ohio that coordinates the Great Commission cooperative efforts of Southern Baptists to reach Ohio and the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our Constitution states, "This Convention is a not-for-profit, charitable, and cooperative body whose purpose shall be to provide a means for these autonomous churches to work together promoting all endeavors they deem necessary to carry out Christ’s Great Commission."
SCBO offers valuable resources beyond what you might expect! Discover hidden benefits like 501(c)(3) assistance, student scholarships, financial stewardship guidance, free life insurance, legal support through ADF, the Ohio Baptist Messenger, scbo.org resources, pastor’s wives support, and prayer networks.
The SCBO is the missionary organization within Ohio that coordinates the Great Commission cooperative efforts of Southern Baptists to reach Ohio and the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our Constitution states, "This Convention is a not-for-profit, charitable, and cooperative body whose purpose shall be to provide a means for these autonomous churches to work together promoting all endeavors they deem necessary to carry out Christ’s Great Commission."
SCBO offers valuable resources beyond what you might expect! Discover hidden benefits like 501(c)(3) assistance, student scholarships, financial stewardship guidance, free life insurance, legal support through ADF, the Ohio Baptist Messenger, scbo.org resources, pastor’s wives support, and prayer networks.
Southern Baptist Convention
The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is a body of like-minded local churches cooperating to reach the world with the Good News of Jesus Christ. There are currently more than fifty thousand Southern Baptist cooperating churches and church-type missions. Though as many as two hundred could be counted as “mega-churches,” the vast majority run less than two hundred in weekly worship. No two churches are alike; but there are certain commonalities that bind Southern Baptists together, regardless of race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, language, size, or location.
The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is a body of like-minded local churches cooperating to reach the world with the Good News of Jesus Christ. There are currently more than fifty thousand Southern Baptist cooperating churches and church-type missions. Though as many as two hundred could be counted as “mega-churches,” the vast majority run less than two hundred in weekly worship. No two churches are alike; but there are certain commonalities that bind Southern Baptists together, regardless of race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, language, size, or location.
Cooperative Program
The Cooperative Program is Southern Baptists’ unified plan of giving through which cooperating Southern Baptist churches give a percentage of their undesignated receipts in support of their respective state convention and the Southern Baptist Convention missions and ministries.
The Cooperative Program is Southern Baptists’ unified plan of giving through which cooperating Southern Baptist churches give a percentage of their undesignated receipts in support of their respective state convention and the Southern Baptist Convention missions and ministries.
Church Autonomy
Organizationally, the churches in the New Testament were clearly independent of each other. But organically, they were directly and inseparably joined at the Head. This calls for local churches to respect the independence and interdependence they share with others. Recognizing the Lord's authority over each autonomous church is at the core of our Baptist heritage
Organizationally, the churches in the New Testament were clearly independent of each other. But organically, they were directly and inseparably joined at the Head. This calls for local churches to respect the independence and interdependence they share with others. Recognizing the Lord's authority over each autonomous church is at the core of our Baptist heritage
Church Autonomy
Organizationally, the churches in the New Testament were clearly independent of each other. But organically, they were directly and inseparably joined at the Head. This calls for local churches to respect the independence and interdependence they share with others. Recognizing the Lord's authority over each autonomous church is at the core of our Baptist heritage
Organizationally, the churches in the New Testament were clearly independent of each other. But organically, they were directly and inseparably joined at the Head. This calls for local churches to respect the independence and interdependence they share with others. Recognizing the Lord's authority over each autonomous church is at the core of our Baptist heritage
Theological Seminaries
The six Southern Baptist theological seminaries exist to prepare God-called men and women for vocational service in Baptist churches and in other Christian ministries throughout the world through programs of spiritual development, theological studies, and practical preparation in ministry.
The six Southern Baptist theological seminaries exist to prepare God-called men and women for vocational service in Baptist churches and in other Christian ministries throughout the world through programs of spiritual development, theological studies, and practical preparation in ministry.
- Gateway Seminary of the Southern Baptist Convention – Ontario, CA
- Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary – Kansas City, MO
- New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary – New Orleans, LA
- Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary – Wake Forest, NC
- The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary – Louisville, KY
- The Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary – Fort Worth, TX
The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC)
The ERLC serves at the intersection of church and state and strives, like you, to understand how the pressing cultural and moral issues in our society affect our churches, our families, and our world. We aim to bring the teaching of God’s Word and principles of wisdom to bear on the public policy issues of our day.
The ERLC serves at the intersection of church and state and strives, like you, to understand how the pressing cultural and moral issues in our society affect our churches, our families, and our world. We aim to bring the teaching of God’s Word and principles of wisdom to bear on the public policy issues of our day.
Women’s Missionary Union
An auxiliary of the SBC, Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) assists churches in developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy of missions in order that a church can fulfill its total mission in the world. WMU seeks to make disciples of Jesus who live on mission through missions discipleship, leadership development and compassion ministries.
An auxiliary of the SBC, Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) assists churches in developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy of missions in order that a church can fulfill its total mission in the world. WMU seeks to make disciples of Jesus who live on mission through missions discipleship, leadership development and compassion ministries.
Lifeway Christian Resources
For more than 130 years, Lifeway Christian Resources has served as the world’s leading nonprofit provider of ministry resources for the local church. Our story began when Dr. James M. Frost envisioned a Christian publishing house to help churches teach God’s Word, develop leaders, and impact every nation for Christ. Much has changed in the world since then, but Lifeway’s focus remains on helping local churches share the good news of Jesus Christ and make disciples everywhere.
Today, Lifeway’s resources are used in more than 160 countries on six continents. We continue to evolve to serve the changing needs of the church. From Bibles and Bible studies to church supplies, camps, and events, our team passionately pursues the needs of local churches, no matter where they are. As a nonprofit, each purchase you make at Lifeway helps support this ongoing work to spread the gospel around the globe.[
For more than 130 years, Lifeway Christian Resources has served as the world’s leading nonprofit provider of ministry resources for the local church. Our story began when Dr. James M. Frost envisioned a Christian publishing house to help churches teach God’s Word, develop leaders, and impact every nation for Christ. Much has changed in the world since then, but Lifeway’s focus remains on helping local churches share the good news of Jesus Christ and make disciples everywhere.
Today, Lifeway’s resources are used in more than 160 countries on six continents. We continue to evolve to serve the changing needs of the church. From Bibles and Bible studies to church supplies, camps, and events, our team passionately pursues the needs of local churches, no matter where they are. As a nonprofit, each purchase you make at Lifeway helps support this ongoing work to spread the gospel around the globe.[
Ohio Disaster Relief
Waiting on John Heading
Waiting on John Heading
Cooperative Program in Ohio 50/50 Split
The Cooperative Program (CP) is the primary giving model for the churches of The State Convention of Baptists in Ohio. Through the Cooperative Program, the SCBO partners with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and advance the Kingdom in Ohio and around the world. 50% of all Cooperative Program gifts to the SCBO are given to the Southern Baptist Convention. The remaining 50% percent is invested into evangelistic ministries, church planting, and church health/revitalization within Ohio.
The Cooperative Program (CP) is the primary giving model for the churches of The State Convention of Baptists in Ohio. Through the Cooperative Program, the SCBO partners with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and advance the Kingdom in Ohio and around the world. 50% of all Cooperative Program gifts to the SCBO are given to the Southern Baptist Convention. The remaining 50% percent is invested into evangelistic ministries, church planting, and church health/revitalization within Ohio.
Baptist Faith and Message 2000
The Baptist Faith & Message 2000 is a statement of beliefs that Southern Baptists hold in common. These beliefs are expressed in 18 articles of faith, ranging from the Scriptures (Article I) to the family (Article XVIII). The BF&M is best described as a confession – a statement of how we as Southern Baptists understand Scripture and all it reveals about life and godliness.
Read the Baptist Faith and Message
The Baptist Faith & Message 2000 is a statement of beliefs that Southern Baptists hold in common. These beliefs are expressed in 18 articles of faith, ranging from the Scriptures (Article I) to the family (Article XVIII). The BF&M is best described as a confession – a statement of how we as Southern Baptists understand Scripture and all it reveals about life and godliness.
Read the Baptist Faith and Message
International Mission Board (IMB)
Since 1845, the International Mission Board, we celebrate that Southern Baptists take the Great Commission seriously and that together, we are working toward the Great Multitude we see in Revelation 7:9.
Between the Great Commission and the Great Multitude is the Great Pursuit. We have been commissioned to pursue the lost, those who continue to shoulder the world’s greatest problem— the only problem that is universal and eternal. We not only have the solution—the gospel—we have been commissioned to share the solution. The biblical model of getting the gospel to those who have yet to hear is through the presence of a missionary.
Since 1845, the International Mission Board, we celebrate that Southern Baptists take the Great Commission seriously and that together, we are working toward the Great Multitude we see in Revelation 7:9.
Between the Great Commission and the Great Multitude is the Great Pursuit. We have been commissioned to pursue the lost, those who continue to shoulder the world’s greatest problem— the only problem that is universal and eternal. We not only have the solution—the gospel—we have been commissioned to share the solution. The biblical model of getting the gospel to those who have yet to hear is through the presence of a missionary.
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering
Growing up in Virginia, Lottie Moon and her siblings chose to rebel against Christianity. At 18, Lottie followed Christ and was baptized. When she was 33, she sailed to China as a Southern Baptist missionary. She saw firsthand the world’s greatest problem – LOSTNESS. In letters to Southern Baptists in America, she pleaded for increasing prayer and giving. Her letters raised more support for missionaries to be sent to China. Every year, Southern Baptists collect the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® where 100% of the money given sends and support missionaries.
Growing up in Virginia, Lottie Moon and her siblings chose to rebel against Christianity. At 18, Lottie followed Christ and was baptized. When she was 33, she sailed to China as a Southern Baptist missionary. She saw firsthand the world’s greatest problem – LOSTNESS. In letters to Southern Baptists in America, she pleaded for increasing prayer and giving. Her letters raised more support for missionaries to be sent to China. Every year, Southern Baptists collect the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® where 100% of the money given sends and support missionaries.
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering
Growing up in Virginia, Lottie Moon and her siblings chose to rebel against Christianity. At 18, Lottie followed Christ and was baptized. When she was 33, she sailed to China as a Southern Baptist missionary. She saw firsthand the world’s greatest problem – LOSTNESS. In letters to Southern Baptists in America, she pleaded for increasing prayer and giving. Her letters raised more support for missionaries to be sent to China. Every year, Southern Baptists collect the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® where 100% of the money given sends and support missionaries.
Growing up in Virginia, Lottie Moon and her siblings chose to rebel against Christianity. At 18, Lottie followed Christ and was baptized. When she was 33, she sailed to China as a Southern Baptist missionary. She saw firsthand the world’s greatest problem – LOSTNESS. In letters to Southern Baptists in America, she pleaded for increasing prayer and giving. Her letters raised more support for missionaries to be sent to China. Every year, Southern Baptists collect the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® where 100% of the money given sends and support missionaries.
Send Network
You are committed to reaching your community with the gospel, and so are we. Church planting isn’t just a ministry for individual church planters—it’s a ministry for the whole Church. Send Network is a partnership of people just like you—churches and church planters—planting churches everywhere for everyone.
You are committed to reaching your community with the gospel, and so are we. Church planting isn’t just a ministry for individual church planters—it’s a ministry for the whole Church. Send Network is a partnership of people just like you—churches and church planters—planting churches everywhere for everyone.
Send Relief
Send Relief exists to respond to life-altering moments with the life-giving gospel of Jesus. Whether it’s responding to natural disasters, caring for refugees, fighting human trafficking, supporting adoption and foster care efforts or providing clean water and medical attention to struggling communities, we are committed to connecting people in need with people who care.
A collaboration between the International Mission Board and North American Mission Board, Send Relief is Southern Baptists' global compassion ministry. We respond to crises and strengthen vulnerable communities around the world by meeting physical and spiritual needs in Jesus’ name.
Send Relief exists to respond to life-altering moments with the life-giving gospel of Jesus. Whether it’s responding to natural disasters, caring for refugees, fighting human trafficking, supporting adoption and foster care efforts or providing clean water and medical attention to struggling communities, we are committed to connecting people in need with people who care.
A collaboration between the International Mission Board and North American Mission Board, Send Relief is Southern Baptists' global compassion ministry. We respond to crises and strengthen vulnerable communities around the world by meeting physical and spiritual needs in Jesus’ name.
Annie Armstrong Easter Offering
The offering was started in 1895 by Woman’s Missionary Union® (WMU) to benefit the work of the Home Mission Board (now North American Mission Board). In 1934, it was named in honor of Annie Armstrong, a bold missions advocate and WMU’s first national executive leader. Today, more than $2 billion has been donated by Southern Baptist churches and individuals.
The offering was started in 1895 by Woman’s Missionary Union® (WMU) to benefit the work of the Home Mission Board (now North American Mission Board). In 1934, it was named in honor of Annie Armstrong, a bold missions advocate and WMU’s first national executive leader. Today, more than $2 billion has been donated by Southern Baptist churches and individuals.
SBC Executive Committee
The Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention is comprised of 86 representatives chosen from qualified states and regions, and acts on behalf of the Convention between sessions. Executive Committee officers are elected from these representatives.
Although the Executive Committee does not control or direct the activities of Convention agencies, it reviews their financial statements and recommends the Convention annual operating budget. In addition, it receives and distributes the monies Southern Baptists give in support of denominational ministries, acts as the recipient and trust agency for all Convention properties, and provides public relations and news services.
The Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention is comprised of 86 representatives chosen from qualified states and regions, and acts on behalf of the Convention between sessions. Executive Committee officers are elected from these representatives.
Although the Executive Committee does not control or direct the activities of Convention agencies, it reviews their financial statements and recommends the Convention annual operating budget. In addition, it receives and distributes the monies Southern Baptists give in support of denominational ministries, acts as the recipient and trust agency for all Convention properties, and provides public relations and news services.
GuideStone® Financial Resources
GuideStone® provides churches, ministries, faith-aligned institutions and Christian households with financial solutions that support our shared biblical values — helping believers lead resilient lives and advance the Kingdom of God.
Through every season of ministry, GuideStone will be with you through our comprehensive offerings:
Faith Based Investing, Life and Health Plan Coverage, Property and Casualty Insurance, Retirement Solutions.
GuideStone® provides churches, ministries, faith-aligned institutions and Christian households with financial solutions that support our shared biblical values — helping believers lead resilient lives and advance the Kingdom of God.
Through every season of ministry, GuideStone will be with you through our comprehensive offerings:
Faith Based Investing, Life and Health Plan Coverage, Property and Casualty Insurance, Retirement Solutions.
Send Network Ohio
In partnership with the North American Mission Board. Send Network Ohio helps churches plant churches everywhere for everyone. From the big city to the small rural areas. They are committed to coming alongside Ohio churches to help plant more churches and to see God’s kingdom expand in the Buckeye State.
In partnership with the North American Mission Board. Send Network Ohio helps churches plant churches everywhere for everyone. From the big city to the small rural areas. They are committed to coming alongside Ohio churches to help plant more churches and to see God’s kingdom expand in the Buckeye State.
Ray Roberts State Mission Offering
The Ray Roberts State Missions Offering is a fund supported by Ohio Southern Baptists and managed by the SCBO to further God's Kingdom in the state of Ohio. It is named after one of the earliest pioneers of Southern Baptist Cooperation in Ohio who also served as the first Executive Director of the SCBO.[18] 50% of everything given goes towards Disaster Relief in Ohio and the other 50% goes to church planting, church replanting, and revitalization all in Ohio.
The Ray Roberts State Missions Offering is a fund supported by Ohio Southern Baptists and managed by the SCBO to further God's Kingdom in the state of Ohio. It is named after one of the earliest pioneers of Southern Baptist Cooperation in Ohio who also served as the first Executive Director of the SCBO.[18] 50% of everything given goes towards Disaster Relief in Ohio and the other 50% goes to church planting, church replanting, and revitalization all in Ohio.
The information provided about each organization was sourced directly from their respective websites to ensure accuracy and clarity. For the most up-to-date details, please visit the official websites of each organization.